U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan agrees with Gov. Arnold I. Palacios’ testimony at the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee’s field hearing on Guam on Thursday, saying that the Pacific islands’ “economic and social stability is truly key to fortifying national security interests and peace in the region.”
In his e-newsletter, Kilili, who was present at the hearing, noted that the governor also stressed the importance of H.R. 560 or the Population Stabilization Act, which aims to “shore up the eroding population and workforce in the CNMI by providing stability and permanent residency to the Commonwealth’s long-term foreign workers”; and H.R. 1420, which would delay the implementation of the Commonwealth-Only Transitional Worker program’s touchback provision.
Kilili introduced both bills, which have been referred to the House Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs.
He said the measures would “help stabilize the NMI workforce and in turn provide greater stability in the Pacific.”
He also said the U.S. House panel led by Chairman Bruce Westerman, R-Arkansas, traveled to the Pacific to hold the hearing and discuss the importance of the Pacific territories and the Freely Associated States to U.S.-led global security in the region.
The governor thanked Westerman and the other members of the Natural Resources Committee for inviting him to speak about the critical issues affecting the region.
“America’s security architecture in the Pacific is not only founded upon military defense but also on the pillars of economic, social, and political stability in the region,” Palacios said. “It is based upon economic prosperity, the health of people and ecosystems, and the rule of law. It is rooted in genuine, trustworthy relationships, and shared commitments, backed by action, to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan
